13 best metalworking spring plungers

Metalworking spring plungers are a type of mechanical component commonly used in various industrial applications. They are part of a broader category of spring-loaded devices used to apply force, hold, or locate objects in a controlled manner. Spring plungers are designed to exert a force when they are engaged or compressed, which makes them useful for tasks like positioning, indexing, and latching.

Key characteristics of metalworking spring plungers include:

Materials: These plungers are typically constructed from high-quality metals such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or other durable alloys.This ensures they can withstand the rigors of industrial environments.
Design: Spring plungers have a threaded body with a spring mechanism inside. The plunger's tip is typically hardened to withstand wear and provide a reliable contact point.
Spring Mechanism: The spring inside the plunger is what provides the force. It's designed to compress and then exert pressure when released. The spring's strength is a critical factor in determining the force the plunger exerts.
Threaded Body: The threaded body allows for easy installation and adjustment. It enables the plunger to be securely attached to machinery or fixtures.
Variety of Tips: The tips of spring plungers come in various shapes and materials, including steel, plastic, and nylon. This allows for customization based on specific applications.
Applications: Metalworking spring plungers find applications in a wide range of industries including manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and machinery. They are used in tasks such as clamping workpieces, indexing tools, and positioning components.
Adjustability: The threaded body allows for fine-tuning the position and force exerted by the plunger. This adjustability is crucial for achieving precise results in various industrial processes.
Durability and Longevity: Due to their metal construction, these plungers are known for their durability and longevity. They can withstand harsh working conditions and repetitive use.

Overall, metalworking spring plungers play a vital role in ensuring precision and reliability in industrial processes. Their versatility and durability make them indispensable components in many manufacturing and assembly operations. It's important to choose the right type and size of plunger based on the specific requirements of the application.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best metalworking spring plungers on the market

WN 717.10 Series Stainless Steel Non Lock-Out Type Stubby Hand Retractable Spring Plunger with Pull Ring, 1/4"-20 Thread, 0.31" Thread Length

JW Winco

Based on 114 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ideal for applications with limited space. Locking patch available upon request. Plunger does not lock in fully retracted position. On stainless models, all parts are stainless steel except for the ring which is nickel plated steel

Stainless steel Plunger body
Stainless steel pin and pull ring
American Standard Series 303
Has a 0.156” dia pin with a ¼-20 thread x 0.31 thread length, it is stainless steel, it has a pull ring, and this is the type A
Comes without the optional thread locking patch

User questions & answers

Question:	What is the length of the plunger end (how far does it retract)? Does it stay extended under 1lb of pressure or less
Answer:	https://www.jwwinco.com/en-us/products/3.1-Indexing-locking-blocking-with-pins-and-ball-shaped-elements/WN-717.10-Stainless-Steel-Stubby-Hand-Retractable-Spring-Plungers-With-Pull-Ring-Non-Lock-Out-Type
Question:	is the 0.76 length with or without the pull ring
Answer:	I received keys with my shipment.

Product features

Hand-retractable spring plungers:

These plungers are sort of a hybrid of the indexing plunger and spring plunger, and includes a pull ring for manual retraction of the plunger. Among other things, they are used for manual or automated holding, as in work-holding applications.

WN 717.10 Series Stainless Steel Non Lock-Out Type Stubby Hand Retractable Spring Plunger with Pull Ring, 3/8"-16 Thread, 0.44" Thread Length

JW Winco, Inc.

Based on 10 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Stainless steel Plunger body
Stainless steel pin and pull ring
American Standard Series 303

Product features

Hand-retractable spring plungers:

4Pcs M12+M10 Index Plunger W/Ring Pull Spring Loaded Retractable Locking Pin

gazechimp

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Product description

Description:

- Case hardened steel, zinc plated finish plunger pin.

- Stainless steel plunger body with pin and pull ring, metric coarse thread.

- Suit for applications with limited space.

- Locking patch available upon request.

- Plunger does not lock in fully retracted position.

Specification:

- Material: Metal

- Color: Silver

- M12: 55 x 25 mm / 2.17 x 0.98 inch

- M10: 55 x 25 mm / 2.17 x 0.98 inch

Package Includes:

2 Pieces Indexing Plunger(M10)

2 Pieces Indexing Plunger(M12)

Case hardened steel, zinc plated finish plunger pin.
Suit for applications with limited space.
Stainless steel plunger body with pin and pull ring, metric coarse thread.
Locking patch available upon request.
Plunger does not lock in fully retracted position.

LRHS Series Stainless Steel Lock-Out Type Hand Retractable Spring Plunger with L Handle, Without Patch, 1/4"-20 Thread Size, 0.80" Thread Length

JW Winco, Inc.

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Product description

These hand retractable plungers have a rest position where the plunger can stay in the retracted position.

Stainless steel, type 303 Plunger body and pin
Available without sealing patch

1/4-20 x 1", End force-13.0 lbs, Inch, Steel Nose-Heavy End Pressure, Steel Body, Locking Element, Spring Plunger (1 Each)

Reid Supply Company

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Product description

For use in fixtures, jigs, detents, dies and other tooling applications. They give sure and positive spring tension. Steel noses are case hardened. Black oxide finish. Stainless steel is passivated. Accurate spring pressures. Nose ends accurately radiused. Delrin nose offers long life and high resistance to repeated impacts, moisture and solvents and heat up to 190°F. The plastic nose is used where it is important not to mar metals such as aluminum or brass. The plunger end of the plastic nose spring plunger is high tensile thermosetting plastic. Has self-lubricating surface. Metric dimensions are shown in millimeters, metric end forces are shown in Newtons.

Vlier 1/4-20 Steel With Locking Element Standard

Kipp 03055-A3 Stainless Steel Pin and Body Spring Plungers, Pin Style, Hexagon Socket, Standard End Pressure, Inch, 5/16-18 Thread (Pack of 10)

KIPP Inc.

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Product description

Body In Stainless Steel Quality Class 5.8, Pressure Pin In Stainless Steel, Spring In Spring Steel Class D Natural Finish; Pressure Pin Hardened.

SPRP Series Steel Non Lock-Out Type Inch Size Stubby Hand Retractable Spring Plunger with Pull Ring, 5/8"-11 Thread Size, 0.69" Thread Length

JW Winco, Inc.

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Ideal for applications with limited space.

Steel, zinc plated finish plunger body
Case hardened steel, zinc plated finish plunger pin
Spring steel, zinc plated finish pull ring
Model Number: 10TSP4

User questions & answers

Question:	What size hole do you need to drill for these
Answer:	The pin diameter is 3/8 (0.372)
Question:	What is the pin diameter
Answer:	Yes regarding pressure. Full specs on their website

Ball Plunger, 10pcs 304 Stainless Steel Push Fit Ball Spring Plunger 5mm6mm Body

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Features:

Made of 304 stainless steel material, which can provides strength and offers good corrosion resistance in many circumstances. Widely applicable for mechanical devices, clamps, molds, automatic machines, etc. They are great parts for providing pressure and accurate positioning. Easy to install and convenient to use, simply press it in for fastening. There are total 10 pieces of ball plungers in one set that you may use for many projects.

Specifications:

Material: Stainless steel

Body Size(Dia*L, excludingball):5mm*6mm

Item Size(Dia*L, includingball): 5.5mm*7.5mm

Quantity: 10pcs

Weight: 9g(approx.)

Package Includes:

10 x Ball Plunger

Made of 304 stainless steel material, which can provides strength and offers good corrosion resistance in many circumstances
Widely applicable for mechanical devices, clamps, molds, automatic machines, etc
They are great parts for providing pressure and accurate positioning
Easy to install and convenient to use, simply press it in for fastening
There are total 10 pieces of ball plungers in one set that you may use for many projects

LRSP Series Steel Lock-Out Type Hand Retractable Spring Plunger with Knurled Handle, Without Patch, 1/4"-20 Thread Size, 0.500" Thread Length

JW Winco, Inc.

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Product description

These hand retractable plungers have a lock-out position where the plunger can stay in the retracted position via a 90° turn of the handle.

Low carbon steel, yellow zinc plated Plunger body
Case hardened steel, yellow zinc plated Plunger pin
Steel Spring
Available without sealing patch

Bonarty 4Pcs Stainless Steel Non Lock-Out Stubby Hand Retractable Spring Plunger with Pull Ring

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Description:

- pull plunger. Also known as spring loaded pins, retractable plunger pins or index pins.

- Zinc plated steel/stainless steel pin.

- These hand retractable components are suitable for a wide range of applications.

- Size: M12

- Durable

Package Includes:

4 x Index Plunger

These hand retractable components are suitable for a wide range of applications.
Zinc plated steel/stainless steel pin.
Durable
Size: M12
pull plunger. Also known as spring loaded pins, retractable plunger pins or index pins.

Carbon Steel Screw Point Grub Screws Spring Plunger, Sturdy and Durable Spring Plunger Ball, Thread Hex Socket for Mechanical Devices, Clamps,(M412(10PCS))

Qioniky

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Product description

Features:

Made of carbon steel material, these ball plungers are sturdy and durable. Widely applicable for mechanical devices, clamps, molds, automatic machines, etc. They are great parts for providing pressure and accurate positioning. Easy to install and convenient to use. There are total 10 pieces of ball plungers in one set that you may use for many projects.

Specification:

Material: Carbon steel

Type: M4*6, M4*8, M4*10, M4*12 (Optional)

Quantity: 10pcs

Weight: 6g / 0.2oz(approx.)

Package list:

10 * Ball Plungers

Easy to install and convenient to use.
There are total 10 pieces of ball plungers in one set that you may use for many projects.
They are great parts for providing pressure and accurate positioning.
Widely applicable for mechanical devices, clamps, molds, automatic machines, etc.
Made of carbon steel material, these ball plungers are sturdy and durable.

Kipp 03041-1A5 Steel Spring Plungers with Light End Pressure, Long-Lok, Pin Style, Hexagon Socket, Inch, Black Oxide Finish, 1/2"-13" Thread (Pack of 5)

KIPP Inc.

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Product description

A reliable partner to industry for over 100 years, Kipp is the Innovator of the Original Adjustable Handle. Manufactured in Germany, Kipp leverages vertical integration, design prowess, and industry knowledge to maximum customer satisfaction.